When the “cash for clunkers” came out, a big red flag went up in my mind. What that did was encourage the very same transaction and attitude that got people into trouble in the first place. If “they” really wanted what was best, we would be encouraged to start making wise choices by buying used vehicles and waiting as long as we can to save money to pay cash for our next vehicle. For example, start saving the money each month that you would be spending on a new car payment until you can afford a decent, reliable, used vehicle for cash.

But, what do we do instead? We actually 1) encourage people to get into needless debt (by obtaining a new car loan). 2) Feed people’s already over-active, consumerist desire for a nice, new – anything. 3) All this to poor loads of more money into a certain company. I don’t think helping a bunch of people to make what I consider to be unwise decisions just to help put money into other people’s pockets is a good idea.

Now, I don’t keep up with politics, the latest trends, or all these types of things, but I do know a thing or two about discipline and making some smart choices with money. Just between you and me, and I’m not naming any names, but perhaps, just perhaps, some businesses or industries or people need to learn from their mistakes (sometimes the hard way) and learn how to make better decisions and conduct better business without coming up with ways that will benefit them at others’ expense. Just my rant.

Exactly! Our government’s continual propping up of the auto industry is insane. We simply don’t need all these cars! Ever notice that the majority of commercials are about cars? I’ll bet you can’t get through on TV show without a car commercial today. (with the exception of children shows.)

Anyway, good post here. We’d be much better off with more repairmen and less salesmen for our products.